KPFA Charity Event 4

Korean union holds charity event to support those in need, honour retired players

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KPFA Charity Event 4
  • The Korean Professional Footballers' Association (KPFA) organised their annual charity match

  • Over 60 players, including 38 men’s and women’s internationals, helped raise funds

  • The union also used the event to pay tribute to players retiring from the game

The Korean Professional Footballers' Association (KPFA) organised its annual charity match for the third year running – enabling current players, former footballers, and fans to come together at the end of the season.

The charity match is more than just a game; it is an entire event, according to Hoonki Kim, the secretary general of the KPFA. Kim came up with the idea after various conversations with players, who indicated they wanted to make a positive impact off the field and have an event where both men’s and women’s players could participate.

The first edition took place in 2022. The latest event, which was held on 21 December 2024, had a tournament with four teams consisting of current and retired men’s and women’s players. It is the only event in Korea where both men’s and women’s players participate together.

"It serves as a unique platform promoting equality and unity in sports," said Kim. To illustrate this, two men and two women captained the four teams.

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Players at the KPFA charity event
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The KPFA welcomed over 60 players to the event. The latest edition saw the introduction of a tournament format, instead of a singular game, to allow all players to be involved in the matches.

Among the participants were 38 active and former men’s and women’s national team players including Keun-ho Lee and So-Yun Ji (who share the role of union president and made 84 and 160 appearances for Korea respectively), Hye-ri Kim (126 caps), Geum-min Lee (90 caps), Chung-yong Lee (89 caps), Ja-cheo Koo (76 caps), Jin-su Kim (74 caps) and Sung-ryong Jung (67 caps).

Honouring players, supporting charities

The union also used the event as a moment to pay tribute to players retiring from the game. During a ceremony after the tournament’s final, ten players were given a fitting send-off.

Kim said: "Not all players who retire are granted a special ceremony or moment to say goodbye to the game. We provide them with an opportunity to finish their careers with applause from their peers and fans. We want to foster a culture of honouring and celebrating retiring players in a respectful way."

All proceeds of the event are donated to a charity that is selected by the union’s board. The union supported two former players who had to end their respective playing careers due to injuries.

Young-rok Shin retired in 2011, after suffering a heart attack during a K-League match and being in coma for 50 days. The former international is still undergoing rehabilitation.

Yeon-su Ryu was a victim of a drunk-driving accident in 2022, resulting in paraplegia. The goalkeeper lost the use of his legs, which forced him to retire. He now has ambitions of participating in the 2028 Paralympics in the rifle shooting category.  

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Young-rok Shin and Yeon-su Ryu

"We raise money through a combination of ticket sales, donations, sponsorships, and an online auction after the event," said Kim. The auction featured memorabilia from players, including signed jerseys, boots, and special items from past matches. The funds raised will help Shin and Ryu with their recovery.  

"Next year, we are considering expanding our support to marginalised groups outside of football as well," said Kim.

Player voice

The union also dedicated a moment to Ga-Ae Kang, who was presented the FIFPRO Player Voice Award. In November 2024, FIFPRO announced her as a Merit Award winner during its general assembly in Indonesia.

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Ga-Ae Kang with the FIFPRO Player Voice Award

KPFA Co-President So-Yun Ji handed over the award to Kang in front of a crowd of over 2,000 spectators at the Kyung Hee University in Seoul. The event was also streamed live by Korea’s official broadcaster of the K-League.

"For the players, the charity match is an opportunity to use their platform and influence to support important causes," said Kim. "Using their influence for helping those in need, contributing to positive change in society, and knowing that their participation directly helps communities in need gives the players a sense of pride and a deeper sense of social responsibility.

"Additionally, it serves as an opportunity for players to communicate with one another and strengthen bonds, while also creating a meaningful and positive connection with fans as they wrap up the year."